The proposed ‘Penang South Islands’ (PSI) island project in Malaysia has received recognition for its sustainability efforts from the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Company (MGTC). At the Low Carbon City 2022 event, the state was awarded the “Diamond” award for PSI’s design. According to MGTC’s commendation, this project has the potential to reduce emissions by up to 45.47% compared to the business-as-usual scenario. It also states that the project could prevent the equivalent of 844,295 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The project is characterized by reduced emissions from energy and water consumption of buildings and common areas, low-emission vehicles, and reduced landfill waste.
Penang’s president, Chow Kon Yeow, said the recognition reflects Penang’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. He added that the state government is very proud of the PSI project and its focus on sustainable development.
“The development of Penang South Island is an important project for the state, which not only creates new opportunities for development but also does it in a sustainable and responsible manner. This is a clear reflection of Penang’s commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development for the benefit of all Malaysians,” said Chow.
The Penang South Islands project is a large-scale reclamation project that will create three new islands off the coast of Penang. The project has been controversial, with concerns about its impact on the environment and local communities.
Proponents of the project argue that it will create land needed for development and boost the state’s economy, while critics say it will harm marine ecosystems and lead to the displacement of local communities.
Despite the controversy, the project has received approval from the federal government and is expected to move forward. The Penang government has confirmed the project will be carried out in an environmentally responsible manner and will adhere to strict enforcement and monitoring measures.
The recognition from MGTC is the driving force for the project and its backers, who want to demonstrate the project’s sustainability. The PSI project is expected to take approximately 15 years to complete and will include the construction of residential, commercial and recreational facilities on these three new islands.
